Chelsea Sign £15m Barkley From Everton, Hand Him No.8 Jersey

Chelsea have confirmed the signing of England midfielder Ross Barkley from Everton. Barkley, whose Everton contract was due to end in the summer, is believed to have cost the Premier League champions around £15m.

“Chelsea Football Club has today completed the signing of Ross Barkley from Everton,” Chelsea announced on their official website on Friday.

Barkley, who was on the verge of joining Chelsea in August before the deal collapsed, said: “I’m overwhelmed, I’m looking forward to it and I’m really excited to get started.

“To be given a fresh start at a new club like Chelsea, it’s unbelievable for me. I’m looking forward to continuing where I left off at the end of last season and hoping to improve and add more goals to my game.”

Club director Marina Granovskaia added: “Ross is a player we have long admired and are certain he will prove to be an important player for Chelsea. He possesses outstanding technical and physical attributes, matched with good experience of the Premier League and a strong desire to succeed at the highest level. We welcome him to the club and look forward to seeing him in action.”

Barkley, who has been out injured all season, made 150 Premier League appearances for Everton, as well as being named in England squads for both the World Cup and European Championships.